The Star-News

Soccer coach faces trial

Sat, Sep 03 2011 12:00 PM Posted By: Allison K. Sampite

A Chula Vista man who was arrested in April for allegedly molesting a 16-year-old boy over a six-month period was ordered to stand trial on eight felony counts of sodomy, oral copulation and seducing a minor, Aug 18.

Luiz Raymuno, 61, a Brazilian soccer coach, was living in his motor home behind 684 Anita St. in Chula Vista and was arrested April 12.

Deputy District Attorney Trisha Amador said at this point, there is only one minor confirmed as a victim. While there was an earlier misdemeanor charge for a second victim, it has since been dismissed, she said.

The single victim, his father and the previous victim testified during a preliminary hearing against Raymundo.

Deputy Public Defender Zaki Zehawi said he looks forward to a jury trial, while Raymundo has always maintained his innocence.

"He has a lot of friends in the community and he's received lots of support from them," Zehawi said.

Raymundo was arraigned April 14 and is currently in custody in the county jail with his bail set at $1 million. If convicted of the charges, he faces in excess of seven years in prison.

He will appear again in court for his readiness hearing Sept. 27. His jury trial is set for Oct. 19.